Help Marco Leone Battling Cancer

Hi, my name is Hannah Jo Leone I'm Marco's daughter making this on his behalf. For the past few months my fathers health shown signs of declining such as significant weight loss, fatigue, losing his ability to drive, doing simple tasks like grocery shopping. Mark even left his Job of over 10 years working as a Bartender/ Barman. My father had a previous diagnosis called VERTIGO that he was under the impression was just worsening. November 4th I went to visit my daughter, his 5 month old- his grandbaby Melodi Quinn, I found my dad in a condition where he was virtually incoherent and needed to seek medical attention immediately. I called 911 my father went to St.Vincent where they had to give him 3L of blood, he was internally bleeding, his blood count levels were so incredible low he was anemic. It was a very very good thing he went to the hospital.

 

They countined to run tests found my Dad's diagnosis as to why he is in the condition he was in. They found a very Large Mass (tumor) & diagnosed him with Colon Cancer. Unforuntely, this mass also ruptured, giving him a blood infection that is attacking his heart valve. He needs 4 weeks of fluid antiobiotics just to treat that alone. They also gave us the news that sadly this mass is so large, invasive- attacking vital functions parts around that area ( on top of the blood infection attacking his heart) They felt they wouldn't be able to remove this tumor completely its just too complicated of a surgery. His choices were what type of quality of life would he want- going home with some pain meds ( which means hospice) spend the rest of his time with countless surgeries, radiation & chemo therapy with no guaranteed outcome, or receiving a surgery to give him 3 bags, invasive radiation to possibly shrink the tumor. Possible chemotherapy and other treatments needed after procedure to fight this. The bags will manage some of the issues he was having--- so he can have some type of quality life for whatever time he has left. That has yet to be determind. We are all optimistic. & so is my father. My father chose to have the Bag surgery, said "I LIVED A VERY GOOD LIFE" "I'm a FUX#%*$ FIGHTER, I WILL NOT EXCUSE MY FRENCH AT THIS MOMENT SORRY " laughed, also says "IF I CAN HAVE LITTLE TIME TO HEAR MY GRANDBABY HEAR SHE LOVES HER PAPA IM GOOD" that was my father's choice as it his body, his life, his wishes. He was transported to Pittsburgh Allegeheny Hospital where he received this surgery 11/14/2021.

 

A nurse suggested we make a Gofundme. I asked dad what he would like to ask help for and he said "prepping house for hospice care" because that day will come, its just a matter of when at this point. At this time he has asked for his close family to care for him which we are all on board and prepared to be there for him whatever that takes. Donations will go to making my father's home handicap accesible, medical supplies needed for his care, hospital bed, lift recliner, accessible furniture, etc. anything he may need during this time. We are doing everything we can to have his home prepared for his arrival home. We will also potentially be traveling back and forth from Erie to Pittsburgh until he is able to come home. If you feel you would like to help my Dad for the reasons listed above, you can here with this Gofund me. Any help, even just prayers is greatly appreciated. We are so incredibly grateful for everybody who has wished him well during this time.

 

My father is not one to ask for help, but during these circumstances we felt it was appropriate. My dad is always helping others. I've watched him help the homeless, countless charities, his friends & family in time of need. He is always making pies or his famous sauce during this time, or his Lemonchello, giving it out to the ones he loves. He is known for being witty, funny, a culinary genius, a loyal friend. He dedicated 30+ to the Erie School District having an early retirement.. owner of Leone's Lockshop, Barman/Bartender to the National and other Clubs. He is a hardworking man. A great dad, a loving Papa. A loyal friend, to many. To me, he was always like a famous person in the Erie area, everybody knows & loves my dad, Marco. My dad just needs a little help just now, and we appreciate any help we can get during this time.

 

We are very eager for my Dad's arrival home & hoping for the best. Please continue to pray for his recovery.

 

We will also be making T-shirts & bracelets for Marco for Cancer Awareness you can contact myself, Hannah Leone for more information on that.

 

Thank you, we appreciate everything greatly.